When it comes to gifts for kids, you want your customers to think of your store first. You want new customers to discover you. Be at the top of your game this holiday season with a focus on these strategies from The American Specialty Toy Retailing Assocation (ASTRA):
Focus Brands is the parent company of Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, and Moe’s Southwest Grill, among many others. Cinnabon, which is popular in many malls across the U.S., has a robust licensing program. However, there is still room for growth in the U.S. market. Interestingly, Cinnabon has even more brand recognition in the Middle East, yet licensing in that part of the world is in its infancy.
Last month Scholastic Media began celebrations for the 25th anniversary of The Magic School Bus with new licensed product, new TV episodes, and more.
The issue of marketing to children is gaining traction as advertisers across a broad array of industries step up their investments in new media and government authorities strengthen their efforts to ensure that children remain protected as technologies evolve.
The recently launched Liebmann Licensing has signed Stefan Richter, a cheftestant from season five of Top Chef. He has opened numerous highly acclaimed restaurants and is now being pitched to networks for his own series. Caryl Liebmann, CEO of Liebmann Licensing, talks about his approach to cooking and how she plans to develop him into a brand.
Innovation in nail polish usually refers to a quick-dry formula, a chip-resistant technique, or trendy colors. While nail polish brand OPI has these offerings, it is making a name for itself with out-of-the-box licensing ideas. OPI collaborates with Ford Motor Co., Whirlpool, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, The Kardashians, Shrek, and the newest announcement—The Muppets.
ASTRA kicks off its second annual Neighborhood Toy Store Day this November 12. Here are some tips for planning a simple day that will draw a lot of attention.
Fisher-Price has created Signature Style, a concept that will turn Fisher-Price’s iconic red scallop logo into its own brand. A style guide was released to potential licensees this summer. Licensed products are expected to be in stores late 2012, with a full-scale roll-out in 2013.
A handful of powerful brands are responsible for the vast majority of licensing in the adult licensing space. At this point, Playboy, Penthouse, and Hustler are far removed from their publishing roots. These brands have been established as lifestyle brands of their own accord with products that forego the adult elements that one may associate with these brands.